Original Word: σκληρότης
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: sklérotés
Pronunciation: sklay-ROT-ace
Phonetic Spelling: (sklay-rot'-ace)
Definition: hardness, hardness of heart, obstinacy, perverseness.
Meaning: Hardness, severity, or harshness. It refers to a state of being unyielding or obstinate, often in a moral or spiritual sense.

Word Origin: Derived from σκληρός (sklēros), meaning "hard" or "harsh."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • H7185 קָשָׁה (qashah): To be hard, severe, or difficult.
• H7186 קָשֶׁה (qasheh): Hard, harsh, or stiff-necked.
• H2389 חָזָק (chazaq): Strong, firm, or hard.

These Hebrew terms similarly convey the notion of hardness or stubbornness, often in relation to the heart or attitude of individuals who resist God's commands or guidance.

Usage: The term σκληρότης is used in the New Testament to describe a condition of the heart that is resistant to God's will or truth. It conveys a sense of stubbornness or insensitivity to divine influence.

Context: The Greek term σκληρότης appears in the New Testament in contexts that highlight the spiritual and moral implications of a hardened heart. It is notably used in Romans 2:5, where the Apostle Paul addresses the issue of human obstinacy in the face of God's righteous judgment. The verse reads: "But because of your hard and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed" (BSB).

In this passage, σκληρότης is associated with an unrepentant attitude that leads to divine judgment. The hardness of heart is depicted as a barrier to repentance and reconciliation with God. This concept is consistent with the broader biblical theme that emphasizes the need for a responsive and contrite heart before God.

Theologically, σκληρότης serves as a warning against spiritual insensitivity and the dangers of ignoring God's call to repentance. It underscores the importance of humility and openness to divine correction. The term also reflects the biblical understanding that a hardened heart can lead to spiritual peril and separation from God's grace.

Cognate: 4643 sklērótēs – hardness (literally, "hard from being dry"), i.e. stubborn, obstinate. See 4642 (sklēros).